Pop-Culturalist.com

If you’re a fan of The Originals, you’ve come to learn that no one is safe. At any given moment – especially a euphoric one – a character may meet their maker. Unfortunately, Camille O’Connell (Cami for short) succumbed to the bite she suffered at the teeth of perpetually evil and vengeful Lucien. She was yet another casualty in the endless cat and mouse game between Lucien and Klaus. Now that we’ve all had the weekend to process Cami’s untimely demise, I think I’m finally ready to face what this means for The Originals going forward.

Cami began the show as “the brave bartender” that immediately caught Klaus’ eye. It was clear she would eventually become a love interest for him, but her character ended up being so much more than that. Cami proved her strength, intelligence and loyalty, even when she was still human and learning of the supernatural element in New Orleans. She fiercely protected those she cared about and stood by her morals, even when she was turned into a vampire against her wishes. Cami touched all those around her and undoubtedly brought out the best in those she encountered, supernatural and human alike.

Cami no doubt held a special place in Klaus’ heart, not to mention formed a friendship with practically everyone in or associated with the Mikaelson family. She kept Klaus grounded and brought out the protective yet nurturing side to him. Cami always saw the more gentler side of Klaus, even when it was buried beneath several layers of anguish and hostility. She was his anchor and it’s not hard to see why he ultimately fell in love with her.

The series spent a great deal of time teasing whether or not Cami would survive – with her endlessly being in harms way – so maybe we shouldn’t be shocked she finally met her demise. Either way it’s an open wound, especially with Klaus granting her the illusion of the happiest last day on Earth. Seeing the kind of life Cami could of (and should of) had as a vampire, complete with spontaneous trips to faraway lands and all the beauty the world had to offer, makes saying goodbye even harder.

Cami was a warrior with a heart of gold, and New Orleans is forever changed by her absence. Her death effects every character on the show going forward and may possibly be a catalyst for Klaus to revisit the darkest parts of himself. She could very well be a large part in fulfilling the destiny the Mikaelson’s are so desperately trying to run from. Cami also had many dark objects in her possession, which in the wrong hands could spell trouble for the heroes of our story. I think it’s a fair assumption to say dark times are ahead for all those in New Orleans and beyond.

While we will miss Cami deeply, there will always be a Leah Pipes-sized hole in our hearts. She did an excellent job of portraying this character we’ve all come to know and love. Without Leah’s talents, Cami’s death wouldn’t have been so poignant. Thank you Leah Pipes, and rest in peace dear Camille O’Connell.

Photo Credit: Eli Joshua Ade/The CW